COVID-19 Update: Phase Two Resources and Guidelines
Dear Colleagues,
Eight months into our COVID-19 response, you may feel drawn back into familiar work routines and personal interactions, but please remember we have not returned to business as usual. Just as the Smithsonian is monitoring and responding to the pandemic, we ask that you continue to be mindful of the threat of the virus and your role in protecting the Smithsonian community.
Based on questions we frequently receive on COVID-safety best practices and inquiries into our current policies, we have included information below to help clarify any uncertainty you may have. Take a moment to reacquaint yourself with these important topics, policies, and procedures. Please continue to do your part to safeguard our community: remain vigilant, practice personal responsibility, and follow the health and safety guidelines that have been established.
Although our reopening pace has slowed, we continue to plan and develop criteria for Phase 3 of our phased reopening. By following all safety criteria and the policies we have put in place, you are doing your part to ensure we are ready to safely enter Phase 3 when that time comes. Stay up-to-date on our latest news and guidance by visiting the COVID-19 Response and Reopening website. If you have additional questions, email the Response Team at SI-coronavirusinfo@si.edu.
Stay safe and be well,
COVID-19 Response Team
HIGHLIGHTED PHASE 2 RESOURCES AND GUIDELINES
- If You’re Sick, Stay Home. Leave Options and Workplace Flexibilities: The most important thing you can do to slow the spread of COVID-19 is stay home if you feel unwell or have answered “yes” to any of the daily health screening questions. Remember, the screening must be completed daily before arriving at the worksite, even for short visits. If you need time away from work, there are several leave options and workplace flexibilities available to you. Discuss any concerns with your supervisor, who along with your unit’s HR liaison can help you find solutions.
- How to Report a Positive Test Result: If you are ill or experience symptoms associated with COVID-19, stay home while you recover. If you test positive or are diagnosed by a healthcare provider with COVID-19, this link provides guidance on next steps including contacting the COVID-19 Response Team.
If a case is reported at one of our facilities, the Team will quickly begin contact tracing and will notify any primary contacts that they may have been exposed to the virus. The CDC recently updated their definition of a primary contact to include anyone who may have interacted with the ill employee for a total of 15 minutes throughout a 24-hour period without following the required social distancing and face covering requirements (this could happen in one interaction or in multiple, shorter face-to-face interactions throughout the day).
- Local Quarantines: Many states and localities have enacted quarantine requirements to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Please keep these rules in mind, especially as you make plans to travel for the holidays. If your supervisor has requested that you return to the workplace, you are exempted from these quarantine orders and should report to the workplace as scheduled even after a trip to a location subject to quarantine restrictions. Please continue to be diligent about following all required safety precautions including social distancing and wearing face coverings properly.
- Mandatory Use of Face Coverings: All staff and affiliates are required to wear face coverings while on Smithsonian property. Approved cloth face coverings are being provided. Staff can wear their own covering if the covering fully covers the nose and mouth, does not have an exhalation valve, and conforms to applicable uniform requirements. Social distancing is not a substitute for using a face covering. For tips and tricks on how to fit and test a face covering, watch this video.
- Required COVID-19 Training: All staff are required to complete the “Training on Coronaviruses/COVID-19.” While this training is imperative for those returning to work, the training also provides important safety information that applies to daily life. Even if you are teleworking, if you have not yet done so, please access the training as recommended below.
Federal and Trust employees – If you have an SI network account, click here. Enter your SI network username (not email address) and password and click the “Login” button. If you do not have an SI network account, click alternate. Enter username (non-SI email address) and password or follow the instructions for “Forgot your password,” to initiate a reminder/reset.
Affiliated Staff (except volunteers) – If you have an SI network account, click course link to access the Moodle training. Enter your SI network username (not email address) and password and click the “Log In” button. When prompted for a course enrollment key, enter: covid19. If you do not have an SI network account, use the account registration instructions to create and confirm your Moodle account. Then click course link to access the Moodle training with your new username and password. When prompted for a course enrollment key, enter: covid19.
If you fall outside these constituencies or have additional questions, please refer to the training FAQs on the COVID-19 Prism page.
- Smithsonian Travel Policy: The travel policy for work-related trips requires several levels of review and approval. In order to conduct the required health consultations and obtain Response Team approval, please ensure your requests are submitted at least 14 days prior to your travel date. Additionally, approval processes for local travel have been developed. Please note that for all types of work-related travel, a risk assessment and contingency plan are needed (an example and template are provided via links within the policy).
- Cleaning Strategies: The Office of Facilities Management and Reliability (OFMR) is taking precautions to protect our community against COVID-19. Staff must also take responsibility to ensure workspaces, especially shared workstations, are cleaned and properly disinfected. Requests for cleaning supplies, PPE, and CPE, including face coverings, should be made through your unit’s Emergency Operations Group (EOG) representative or safety coordinator.
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Posted: 2 November 2020
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